Metal furniture



Aug. 2, 1932. N 1,870,174

METAL FURNI THE E Filed June 11, 1951 evenly on the floor.

- in the form of channels.

Patented Aug. 2, 1932 UNITED STATES PATENT oFFIcE ROBERT G. CALTON, OF NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE, ASSIGNOR TO TENNESSEE ENAMEL MANUFACTURING 00., A CORPORATION OF TENNESSEE METAL FURNITURE Application filed June 11, 1931. Serial No. 543,659.

This invention relates to metal furniture and, among other objects, aims to provide improved braces for metal tables. The main idea is to provide adjustable, diagonal braces for a table frame not only to eliminate the tendency of the side and end members to twist or weave, but also, to adjust the legs so that all of them will rest on the floor and afford stable supports. Other aims and advantages of the invention will appear in the specification when considered in connection with the accompanying drawing, wherein:

Fig. l is a side elevation partly in section of the table having the preferred form of braces applied thereto Fig. 2 is a plan view of the table with the top removed; and

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary perspective view of one corner of the table.

In making all-metal tables wherein the legs are removably secured to side and end apron frame members, it has been found that there is a tendency of the frame to weave or twist out of line so as to make the table set un- It is therefore desirable to provide means to overcome this twisting tendency and to permit such adjustment as will make all of the legs rest on a level or an unlevel floor. The idea is to provide adjustable, diagonal braces for the apron frame members which can easily be adjusted when the table is assembled so as to make all of the legs rest properly on the floor and so arranged as to stiffen or reinforce the frame.

Referring particularly to the drawing, the preferred form of braces is illustrated as being applied to a metal table of the type shown in my copending application, Ser. No. 521,- 354, filed March 9, 1931. However, such braces are applicable to other kinds of furniture. The illustrated table comprises angular sheet metal legs 10 secured to the end flanges of base or apron frame members 11 and 12 which are also made of sheet metal The legs are secured to the base frame members by means of pairs of sheet metal clips or brace clamps 13 and 14 and bolts 15 passing through the clips to exert clamping pressure on the leg flanges.

In accordance with this invention, a pair of brace rods 16 are connected to the inside clips or clamping members 14 and each eX- tends diagonally of the table frame. In this instance, the rods are made of ordinary round bars, and each has a head'17 at one end. Each bar is adapted to be inserted in a hole in one of the clips or clamps before the table is assembled. The other ends of the brace rods are shown as being screwthreaded and are adapted to be screwed into threaded, punched out openings in the diagonally opposite slips or clamps. However, it is to be understood that ordinary nuts may be threaded on the ends of the rods on the insides of the clips or clamps or turnbuckles may be utilized to vary the tension. To enable the rods to be easily adjusted, they are shown as having flattened portions 18 adapted to be engaged by a wrench or a. pair of pliers. If the table frame is twisted or warped so that one of the legs does not touch the floor, or if the floor is not level, the rods may be adjusted sufficiently to eliminate the weave and make the legs plumb. Also, the

tightening of the brace rods takes care of such tolerances as may exist in the assembly, eliminating the extreme accuracy necessary to make the legs set properly on a level floor. Moreover, the braces make the frame more rigid.

From the foregoing description, it will be understood that the braces may be app-lied very easily and quickly. The rods are adapted to be applied by the user when the tables are assembled. They may be manufactured at a very low cost and require no additional shipping space.

Obviously, the present invent-ion is not re stricted to the particular embodiment thereof herein shown and described.

What is claimed is:

1. In a metal table having legs removably secured to a base frame, pairs of opposed. sheet metal clip members clamping each of said legs to the frame; the inner clip-member of each pair having an opening therein extending diagonally of the frame; diagonal .brace rods secured to said inner clip mem- 'tendmg through the openings 1n the diagoma'lly opposed clipmembers; the clip :mem-

bers through said openings independently of the leg fastenings; and means whereby said brace rods may be adjusted.

2. In a metal table of the character described, sheet metal base frame members having flanged-ends providing-seats, angle shaped-sheet metal legs having inwardly bent flanges seated against the flanged ends of the base frame members; pairs of oppositely bowed 'sheet'metal clip members clamping each of said legs to the frame members, the inner sheet metal clip member of each pair having a diagonally extending opening; diagonal brace rods each having ahead at one .end and screw threads at the other end (X- ber atthescrew threaded end of each diago final brace rod having screw threads 'whereby the 'tensiono-f stherodmay be adjusted; and non-circular portions on said rods to permit adjustment soas to vary the tension and thmeby prevent weavingorracking of the table irame.

In testimony, that I claim the foregoing as1my.--own,- Ihave hereto aifixed my signa ture.

-=ROBERT G. GALTON. 

